Everyone experiences anxiety at some time in their life. Although it can be an unpleasant feeling, it is a natural state that can help an individual avoid dangerous situations. However, when anxiety starts interfering in daily activities it can signal something more, like an anxiety disorder. According to the Child Mind Institute, nearly one in three adolescents (31.9%) will meet criteria for an anxiety disorder by the age of 18. 

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

Physical

  1. Pounding heart, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and flushed skin
  2. Dizziness, headache, sweating, tingling, and numbness
  3. Rapid shallow breathing, and shortness of breath
  4. Choking, dry mouth
  5. Stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  6. Muscle aches and pains

Psychological

  1. Unrealistic or excessive fear and worry
  2. Trouble concentrating
  3. Irritability
  4. Racing thoughts
  5. Anger
  6. Confusion
  7. Frequently being on edge
  8. Sleep disturbances
  9. Impatience

Behavioral

  1. Avoidance of situations, especially social
  2. Distress in social situations
  3. Excessive fear of objects or situations
  4. Isolation
  5. Crying
  6. Obsessive thoughts or compulsive behavior
  7. Explosive outbursts
  8. Separation anxiety
  9. Refuses to speak to friends or strangers in public places
  10. Frequent absences from school

*Please note that anxiety can be a normal part of our lives. A child may show some anxiety when worried about a test or a specific performance which can can be typical behavior and does not necessarily mean your teen is struggling with an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders differ from normal anxiety in the following ways:

  • It is more severe
  • It is long lasting
  • It interferes with their daily lives

If you have concerns always check with your child’s doctor. Anxiety can have the same appearance as a heart attack. If you are unsure always defer to caution and call 911. 

Risk Factors or Anxiety Disorders

  1. Have a history of childhood anxiety or severe shyness
  2. Have a more sensitive or emotional nature
  3. Trauma
  4. A family history of anxiety
  5. Parental seperation or divorce
  6. Parental substance use disorder
  7. A difficult childhood
  8. Family background of poverty or lack of job skills
  9. Medication side effects
  10. Nutritional deficiencies
  11. Substance use

*It is important to note that just because a child may experience one or more risk factors does not mean they will develop an anxiety disorder. If you have any concerns contact your child’s doctor. 

 

A Few Things You Can Do To Help Your Child With Anxiety

  1. Listen without judgement
  2. Contact your family doctor or pediatrician and make an appointment. Let them know you suspect your child may be dealing with abnormal anxiety and that your child needs to be screened.
  3. Make sure they are seeing a mental health professional as well as their family doctor. Communication between you, your child’s medical team, and communication with your child is important. You may not discuss everything with your child, but providing them with some knowledge of their condition can help them process their illness and may provide them with a sense of control. Gain advice from their mental health provider on how best to approach your child and for tips on what to say
  4. Animal therapy may be helpful
  5. Do not interrupt, it may be difficult for them to share their feelings
  6. Acknowledge their struggle
  7. Don’t be critical or express frustration
  8. Listen not only to what they say but how they say it. This may provide additional clues to how they are feeling
  9. Be encouraging
  10. Spend quality time 
  11. Remember, they are dealing with an illness
  12. Know that many adolescents with mental illness grow up to live happy, full lives
  13. Encourage a healthy lifestyle
    1. Exercise regularly. This can be something you do together or with the entire family
    2. Eat a healthy diet. Many studies have shown that eating healthy and eliminating artificial dyes and flavors from their diet can be helpful for those struggling with mental illness. 
    3. Sleep regularly. We know this can be challenging in teens, but if you can, help your child stick to a consistent bedtime. 
  14. Help them understand that they may be struggling with anxiety but anxiety is not who they are
  15. Remain calm when they are having an anxiety attack and speak in soothing tones. Do not yell or shout
  16. Try to maintain a normal routing but be flexible
  17. Encourage them to try new things but don’t push
  18. Make time in your family routine for things that your child enjoys and finds relaxing. This could include taking a walk, listening to music, or spending time with a favorite family pet
  19. Spend time with people your child trusts, likes, and feels comfortable around